KNOWLEDGE SHALL INCREASE

But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.

Daniel 12:4

The information available at our fingertips has exploded in the last few years. Scientists tell us until the early 1900s, knowledge doubled every hundred years. That rate increased by the end of 1945 to once every twenty-five years. In today’s world, thanks to the Internet, it happens every twelve hours!

Examples of the exponential increase in technology are endless. The Chinese robot, Sophia, is the most advanced robot ever created. We ask Seri and Alexa questions as if they are human and smarter than we are.

With the introduction of ChatGPT, we now have A.I. that can write chapters, sermons, songs, and poetry. When asked to write a full-length sci-fi book, it crashed, claiming the “lack of resources,” but given enough time, I imagine it will write many books. What else will A.I. be able to do?

Even before ChatGPT, technological advancements boggled the mind. Because of technology, we don’t need wires running through the house to connect us to the other side of the world. We can call anywhere for free, send an email, or enjoy videos and jpegs on social networking sites from Antarctica to Timbuktu.

Today, most of the information sharing occurs on the Worldwide Web. Scientists predict this super-information highway will eventually connect everyone to each other on the globe.

The three “W’s” in Worldwide Web represent the letter Vav, the sixth letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Is there any coincidence that www., the symbol for the Worldwide Web, becomes 666 when switched to a numerical value in Hebrew?

Interesting questions arise because today’s number one source of information occurs on a platform symbolized in Hebrew by 666. To quote Sir Francis Bacon, “Information is power,” but to also quote a well-respected British politician, Lord Action, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Many Christians know the number 666 is associated with the most powerful ruler (Antichrist) who will walk the Earth. He will control the information highway, including all buying and selling. Those who want to survive will be forced to receive his mark on their right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:16).

Satan’s deception will come through this lawless one, and millions of earth-dwellers will do his bidding due to lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The minds of unbelievers will be blinded, and because of hardened hearts, God will send a strong delusion that, if it were possible, will deceive even the elect (II Thessalonians 2:11).

Too many will believe the lie (II Thessalonians 2:10). Some will be lured away from God because of their own desires (James 1:14). Others will not be willing to endure sound teaching (II Timothy 4:3). We live in a “me-my-mine” world, where people believe they are entitled to what someone else has (Galatians 5:20), are easily offended (Matthew 24:10), and are self-indulgent (II Timothy 3:2). Truth is relative and moral values are inverted (II Peter 2:2). Evil is called good, and good is called evil (Isaiah 5:20).

When the Bible refers to “knowledge” in Daniel 12:4, the context refers not only to man’s knowledge bolstered by artificial intelligence or a coming beast system but also to spiritual discernment.

God’s promises include discernment that will help us to know the difference, for example, between real and fake news, what’s right and wrong, absolute truth versus relative truth, and good and evil (Hosea 14:9).

This wisdom will be significant and compelling, and only those who are enlightened with the knowledge of Jesus Christ will understand what is happening as the Day of the Lord approaches.

“My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And  apply your heart to understanding:
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”

Proverbs 2:1-6

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Many don’t know that God created both good and evil (Isaiah 45:7). He put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden (Genesis 2:9). Just as God tested Adam and Eve, a time of shaking is coming upon the earth-dwellers to separate the wheat from the tares—those who love the truth from those who love the darkness (Matthew 13:30).

Where evil abounds, God abounds more (Romans 5:20). All manner of God’s wisdom in understanding, art, and craftsmanship will be magnified (I Peter 4:11). God only requires our upmost obedience (Jeremiah 7:23). By faithfully following our Lord and Savior, seasoned with love, we will understand all knowledge and all mysteries (I Corinthians 13:1).

No matter how dire the circumstances, the Word of the Lord is forever (Isaiah 40:8). God’s wisdom is sweet, like manna from heaven (Proverbs 24:14). Knowledge of the Lord will be as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9), and God will reveal the mysteries sealed long ago (Revelation 6:1). We can take heart that those who love Jesus will be full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord from now into eternity (Habakkuk 2:14).

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to remain faithful if You tarry. Help me to finish well so I can receive Your affirmation, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

You can read more of Lorilyn Roberts’ writings at LorilynRoberts.com